Tuesday, May 30, 2006

A Review of the film, TUSAMEHE

Tusamehe in Swahili means ‘forgive us’. After seeing Tusamehe it’s clear that people need forgiveness for many things. This film is not only a tale of morals and awareness but takes an interesting look at the AIDS crisis. Viewers will see that not only is HIV/AIDS a problem in Africa but amongst African immigrants in the USA as well. The film is a slap in the face wake up call to viewers that HIV/AIDS is real and it does not discriminate.Bilantanya Moses Bakeyemba (played by Fundi Kibwana) is an immigrant from Bongoland (no secret it’s Tanzania) living the American Dream in Minnesota. He has a successful, well paying job, owns a house and two cars and is married to a beautiful woman, Salome, (played by Blandina Donald) from his homeland. We find out that before he got married he had an American girlfriend (played by KariAnn Craig), who is jealous of his marriage to the “African Queen”. She does everything she can to rekindle the relationship and Bilantanya soon falls. Salome finds out and chaos ensues. But, life goes on for the married couple and Salome tells Bilantanya that she is pregnant. He is even happier when he finds out that the child is a boy. Joy turns to grief when after a pre-natal check-up Salome finds out that she is HIV positive and the baby is at risk of being sick as well. Bilantanya soon falls desperately ill. Knowing that he is dying, Bilantanya begs for forgiveness from God and at the same time prays to live long enough to see his son. While this is going on a Pharmaceutical Boss seeks religious counseling after he becomes overridden with guilt for not supplying cheaper drugs to Africa and doing more to help the AIDS crisis. Just when you think nothing worse can happen to the couple, Bilantanya dies and that’s not the end of the story.The film has sad and funny moments but the ending of it is very climatic. Another love Triangle is unveiled as we find that Bilantanya’s best friend, Kipara (Robert Kataraia) and Yuni (Emma Kasiga) had an affair but you have to see the film to find out who Kipara slept with! The cleverly crafted plot takes interesting turns as we find out that no one is really who they seem to be, not even the Pastor (played by Peter Omari). Many Tanzanians will feel that they are looking in the mirror as Kibira captures the negative culture of gossiping, promiscuity, drinking, and risk taking. Hopefully viewers will take a look at themselves and change their ways or realize the effects of their actions.Director, Screenwriter and Producer, Josiah Kibira used actors from Tanzania based in Minnesota for this film, along with a pool of Minnesota actors. They all do an excellent job. Christina Sedlacek also gives a touching performance as a caring visiting nurse and check out my emotional breakdown as Mama Kurusumu.Tusamehe is Kibira’s second feature film, the first was Bongoland. Both were filmed in Minnesota. The casting in Tusamehe is excellent, and the credit goes to Onesmo Kibira who also played Dennis in the film. Watch for a cameo by Josiah Kibira in the film as well.Congratulations to all who took part in the making of this film. It will be talked about for years to come.

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TUSAMEHE IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD!TO ORDER NOW CLICK HEREA quick reminder that there is only one day left for you to pre-order TUSAMEHE and receive a free Soundtrack.We are very confident that you will like the movie as many of people who saw it thought: TO SEE TESTIMONIALS CLICK HEREEnjoy the free Soundtrack of various Artists from US, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda who contributed to this project.You can also send us a check if you do not wish to order online...Make checks payable to:Kibira Films2860 Zanzibar Lane NorthPlymouth, MN 55447TO ORDER NOW CLICK HERE

About Me

I worked for Tanzania's Daily News for 11 years leaving as a Senior Reporter. I love acting, films, short story writing and cooking. I blog in English and Swahili. I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and AFTRA.
You can contact me at chemiche3@yahoo.com.